John Boehner endorses Mitt Romney for president — finally

After months and months of silence on who he would support for the Republican presidential nomination, House Speaker John Boehner endorsed Mitt Romney this morning.

“I’ve not taken a position on this presidential campaign because as chairman of the convention, I wanted to make sure all candidates had a fair process and fair opportunity,” the Ohio Republican said at a press conference. With the long drawn out primary season, Boehner crouched behind the sidelines to avoid controversy and maintain neutrality but he says it was fine to get into the game now because “it’s clear Mitt Romney is going to be our nominee.”

The announcement had all the drama of a Bain Capital board of directors meeting.

“I will be proud to support Mitt Romney and do everything I can to help him win,” Boehner said.

The speaker says he particularly supports Romney’s economic policies that “can put Americans back to work, and frankly contrast sharply with the failed policies of President Barack Obama.”

Boehner will serve as chairman of the Republican National Convention in Tampa from August 27 to 30. Boehner’s leadership team, including Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of California and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, endorsed Romney long ago.

Next up?

How about an endorsement of President Obama by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi?